Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Dowd for being so gracious and allowing me in. We will probably not be as nice over the next while, but so be it.

I commend the president, Dr. O'Callaghan, and his team on the piece of work they have done. This is the most positive we have been in relation to DkIT and technological university status. I do not know how many times we have all said that we are starting from a bad place and that there are no dance partners. In fairness, a fair amount was probably said that was not necessarily in the public domain in relation to the possibility of having a university. A fair question was asked about compatibility. My knowledge-view would be that Maynooth probably has a huge amount of experience and has a considerable number of courses in humanities and that DkIT not only will add numbers but will contribute in particular in the engineering sphere.

I also put on the record and thank the Minister for the recent meeting with personal assistants, PAs, on delivering them better pay. We know that will also deliver for those with disabilities trying to work through further education. I think everyone will be in agreement on that.

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